Colombia 4 Day Itinerary

July 10, 2024

Colombia 4-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Bogotá

La Candelaria: Bogota’s historic neighborhood filled with vibrant street art, colonial architecture, and lively plazas. Don’t miss Plaza de Bolivar, the heart of Bogota.
Monserrate: A mountain overlooking Bogota with a church at its summit. Take the funicular or hike for breathtaking views of the city.
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro): Home to one of the largest pre-Columbian gold collections in the world, showcasing 55,000 pieces dating back over 500 years.
Botero Museum: Houses a significant collection of Fernando Botero’s works, including his famous sculptures and paintings.

Try local street food in La Candelaria, such as arepas, empanadas, and obleas (wafer sandwiches).
Attend a salsa class in the evening to immerse yourself in Colombia’s vibrant nightlife.
Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá on a day trip, an extraordinary place of worship built inside a salt mine.

Bogota is located at 2600 meters above sea level, so bring layers for temperature changes.
Spanish is the official language, but many people in Bogota speak English.
Always be aware of your belongings and avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night.

Citizens from most countries do not need a visa for stays under 90 days. Check Colombian immigration authorities to confirm if you require one.

TransMilenio is Bogota’s modern and efficient bus rapid transit system, connecting most parts of the city.
Taxis are widely available, but use radio-dispatched taxis for safety. Apps such as Easy Taxi and Cabify are also popular.

Zona Cafetera: Visit the Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera) and discover the history of Colombia’s famous coffee production.
Salt Cathedral (Salina de Zipaquirá): A unique church carved into a salt mine, located about an hour from Bogota.

Take a guided tour of a coffee farm, learn about the cultivation and processing process, and sample some freshly brewed coffee.
Explore the Salt Cathedral, its unique architecture and spiritual significance.

Medellín: The City of Eternal Spring and Colombia’s second-largest city. Known for its innovative urban development, vibrant street art, and warm people.
Guatapé: A picturesque town famous for its colorful zocalos (decorated facades) and the towering Rock of Guatapé.

Visit Comuna 13, a formerly dangerous neighborhood that has been transformed through urban renewal projects into a vibrant and safe area showcasing Colombia’s social progress.
Take a gondola ride in Parque Arví to enjoy the stunning views of Medellín.
Climb El Peñón de Guatapé, a massive rock offering panoramic views of the lake and town below.

Fly from Bogota to Medellín (about one hour) or take a bus (approximately six hours).
Public transportation within Medellín is efficient and affordable, including the metro, metrocable, and buses.

Old Town Cartagena: Walk through the charming streets of this colonial town, with its colorful buildings, plazas, and fortresses.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas: The largest fortress ever constructed by the Spanish, offering a fascinating glimpse into Colombia’s colonial history.
Playa Blanca: A beautiful beach located on Baru Island, accessible by boat from Cartagena.

Take a guided walking tour of the Old Town to learn about its rich history and culture.
Stroll along the city walls for stunning views over the Caribbean Sea.
Enjoy fresh seafood in the evening at one of Cartagena’s many coastal restaurants.
Visit the Museum of Modern Art (Mam) to discover contemporary Colombian art.

Watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas, especially around tourist attractions.
Be cautious when walking alone at night, and use reputable taxis or ride-sharing services.

Fly from Medellín to Cartagena (about 70 minutes) or take a bus (approximately 10 hours).
Taxis and ride-sharing apps are available in Cartagena, as well as city tours by horse-drawn carriage.